Winter Vista Illumination 2013

I've been living in Tokyo for seven months now and ever since I set foot here, I'm looking forward to going to a lot of places I've never been to before whenever I come here for vacations. However, there's one in my list of to-go-to places that I've already been to but I still want to visit: Showa Kinen National Park. Why? It's because I want to witness one of the main events held in the city of Tachikawa during December, the Winter Vista Illumination. And I'm glad I was able to see it for the first time this year! Here are a some snapshots I took before my camera's battery got drained out. :-)

Park entrance

Christmas tree made of glasses

Look! In the glasses were written notes, probably by Japanese children

Breathtakingggg

Live band

Ramenya

More pop-up food stores

Light Maze

Illuminator Tree

Fantasia Train
300 yen per ride

I really enjoyed this night despite the numbing of my fingers and toes due to the cold December breeze. I'll definitely go back next year. ♥

Arigatou!

Never thought I'd still receive gifts this Christmas. Age really doesn't matter! :)) Other than the gifts above, there are far more things I am really thankful for- my family and friends who's there through thick and thin, my new-found friends at Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc., and of course, for the gift of life. Thank You, Lord! Happy birthday, Jesus! :)

Joyeuses Fetes!

I just love the Christmas season, well who doesn't? So without further ado, here's how me, my family and some friends spent the most magical time of the year.

December 24

Misa de Gallo then Noche Buena at the old Sevilla home. Forgot to bring thy cam so no pictures for this day.

December 25

Had an early Christmas breakfast at home then went to SM North Edsa-Trinoma for some errands for my cousin's wedding, had lunch there with my aunt and uncle, visited the Hello Kitty Houses, then visited my grandfather's siblings and some relatives, had some drinks with cousins and friends, went to The Cabanas for some more drinks but it was jam-packed so we just went to Mcdo instead.

December 27
Get-together with my first UPLB friends at MOA, Saphie, Tony and Kevs. Had lunch at Yellowcab, tried the 5D Fun Rider at Timezone, bought our NBA friendship socks for some ice skating bonding and then more bonding at Starbucks before heading home. I really had a great tiiiime. :)

December 28

Galura-Dimagiba nuptials at Barasoain Church (see 10-peso bill). I was the lector, yay! Reception at Hiyas ng Bulakan Convention Center followed after. What I loved about this wedding is that it is a very intimate one. I think only about 350 people were invited. It was a traditional church wedding but I was surprised that they let butterflies fly free instead of doves. Best wishes, Ate Mel and her husband! ♥

Barasoain Church

Ate Mel with Tito Jaime and Tita Remedios

Second cousin, Jawo

Reception at Hiyas

With my grandmother

Cake-cutting

Proud DIMAGIBAs :)

Joyeuses fetes, indeed! Happy holidays, everyone! :)

Eat Sing Drink Monday

♫ It's the season to be jolly falalalala-lala-lalaaaa.. 

Christmas is just around the corner and my planner's marked with numerous parties to celebrate the most magical time of the year with. First in line's our Nihongo class Christmas party yesterday at Music 21 Plaza, Jupiter, followed by some girl bonding over coffee and make-up counters and finally, lights and sounds show at Ayala Triangle Gardens! Also, Iza-sensei announced that all of us in class got passing scores in our Nihongo midterm exam! Double celebration, it is!

Elementary 1 class with sensei

Monito Monita

Thanks for the hand and nail cream, Ate Jean!

Kampai!

Our version of Pinoy Henyo haha!

Mirror shot with Ate Laine and Masami!

Giant meiji <3

Rawrr

Haha choco monsterrrrrs!

Nihongo everywhere!

Cos Ate Laine and I got the same color of nail polish! <3

Thank heavens for camera timer!

At Music 21 Plaza's lobby

My Caramello and "Chaton the Cat" phone plug <3

Sweet coffee art at Bo's Coffee <3

Hello, Cor! Thanks for the treat!

At Ayala Triangle Gardens

Lights and Sounds Show

First time haha!

Never thought I'd get along with these people so well cos of the age gap, but fortunately, I did! On the other side of the coin, today, I'm officially on a break til classes resume on the 7th next year! Movie and series marathon starts nowwww! Happy holidays! :)